Summer time goes into effect on 31 March 2024
On the night of Saturday, 30 March to Sunday, March 31, the clocks in the Netherlands go forward 1 hour. We call this summer time. This happens at 02:00. Read how it works here.
The time changes twice each year
In the Netherlands, we have had a difference between summer time and winter time since 1977, as in most other European countries. Every year we change the clocks twice:
Summer time: In March, the clock goes forward 1 hour.
Winter time: In October, the clock goes back 1 hour.
When summer time or winter time begins, you have to change the clock yourself. The time on your smartphone and laptop usually changes automatically when connected to the internet.
Summer time is to save energy
Summer time was invented to save electricity. In summer, without summer time, it gets light at 04:30, but everyone is still asleep. By adjusting the clock, it does not get light until we get up. It will also be light 1 hour longer in the evening. That saves a lot of energy because you do not have to have the lights on as long.
Summer time ends in October
Summer time will end on Sunday, 27 October 2024. Then we go back to winter time. The clock will then go back 1 hour.